Great! Glad you both approve. I spoke to the very nice lady at Franciscan (I think--talking to nice hotel people was all I did today) but they did not have the lakefront available. And thanks for the good wishes. This is a very exciting clinical trial and I am lucky to qualify to participate. But for now, California, here I come!

Muralatos is a great choice. Hope you relax and enjoy.

About a mile and half from Muralatos right on the lake is Jasons Grill if you want reasonable dining on the lake.

http://www.jasonsbeachsidegrille.com/

Near Jason's is Hiro Sushi and Steamers which are also lakeside and good.

For a really special dinner about 2.5 miles east is Soule Domain. One of the better restaurants in Lake Tahoe.

http://www.souledomain.com/

2 miles west is one of my favorite restaurants, right on the lake Garwoods.

have a wonderful trip, you deserve it, in one of my favorite places and tell us about it when you return!

I am printing out your responses because of all the good restaurant recommendations and also because they warm my heart. Thank you!
Ellen

When you drive around the lake take the Fallen Leaf Lake Rd and drive in about 4 miles. Fallen Leaf Lake is a hidden gem just off of hwy 89 almost to south shore but on the eastern side of the lake. After Fallen Leaf go straight across the highway and park in the Kiva Beach Parking lot. Then go into the Tallac Historic Site. It is a beautiful walk looking at the historic buildings of San Franciscos wealthy from the early 1900s. The walk is free as it is a Historic Site and it is right along the lake. I walk there every day. The Tahoe Queen and the Dixie offer cruises to Emerald Bay and should not be too crowded in the fall. Hope this helps.

<<<I walk there every day. >>>

I am so envious :-)

Actually Fallen Leaf Lake is on the west side of Lake Tahoe (in California.) There are some great hikes out of Fallen Leaf Lake too.

Suzie beat me to it. Fallen Leaf is definitely on the WEST side of Tahoe.